Pamela Jo Espinosa
November 22,1 947 - February 24, 2024
MASON CITY - Pamela Jo Espinosa, 76, of Mason City, passed away onSaturday, February 24, 2024, at the Heritage Care Center. Pam had been ill for the last several years and was under Hospice care since May 2023. Online condolences may be left for the familyat www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.
Pam was born on November 22, 1947, to Paul (Blackie) Espinosa and Mavis (Holt) Espinosa. Pam graduated from mason City High School in 1966. She attended Luther College in Decorah graduating in 1970 with three majors in Spanish, Political Science and History. She then received her master's degree from the University of Iowa and later her law degree from Cal State Fresno. Pam was truly brilliant and so hard working, always achieving 4.0 GPA as she completed each degree. Pam practiced family law in Fresno and taught law classes at Fresno State. In 2018, Pam received a Lawyer of Distinction certification recognizing excellence in family law.
Pam married Loyd McFarland on August 10, 1980, at the Ahwahnee Lodge in Yosemite National Park. Pam and Lyod would later spend many weekends camping there through the years as it was a favorite destination for them. Pam had a love of traveling, especially internationally. She and Loyd traveled to several countries around the world. Pam also took family members on many amazing trips to England, France, Italy Spain, and New York. She was always so kind and generous to her family.
Pam's family was of utmost importance to her. She was always excited to come to Mason City twice each year. She would come at Christmas time and again in July for her mother's birthday. She cherished the time spent catching up with her parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews.
Pam loved chocolate chip cookies, peanut M&Ms, Cheetos, chips and dip, and Birdsall's hot fudge sundaes. She was known to eat more than one sundae at a time and always stopped at Birdsall's upon arrival in Mason City and again before departing.
Pam was a strong, lovely, independent, compassionate, assertive, vibrant, driven, and joyful person. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but especially by her mother, Mavis Espinosa; sisters, Sherry (Gordon) Rundquist and Ann Espinosa; brother, Peter (Kari) Espinosa and many nieces and nephews. Pam was preceded in death by her husband, Loyd; her father, Paul (Blackie) Espinosa; brother, Paul Espinosa and sister, Debbie Espinosa.
Pam will be celebrated and laid to rest at a graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 22 with Pastor Dan Gerrietts officiating.
Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City, Iowa 50401, 641-423-0924, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory.
Jean Jacobson
September 17, 2024
What a smile she had.
Sue Skoglund
June 14, 2024
Dearest Mavis, Ann, Peter and Sherry,
My sincere condolences to you all. I was fortunate enough, by pure serendipity, to encounter Sherry, who graduated with my older sister Sheri, and had an opportunity to reminisce a bit. Of course Sherry was as beautiful and charming as always. She brought me up to date about Pam and all of her accomplishments. My dad also knew Blackie well.
Pam had the most unassuming endearing smile of anyone I have ever known. She embodied the spirit of goodness and kindness. She will be dearly missed.
Joel midkiff
June 14, 2024
One of a handful of our classmates that would light up a room when she walked in. God Bless her and her family.
Randy Powell (neighbor in the 50's & 60's) & Jacque Epps-Powell
June 14, 2024
Dear Mavis, Ann, Peter & Sherry,
Please accept our condolences on Pam's passing. Last time I saw her was such a long time ago, but I always remember what a great family all of you are, seeing everybody across the backyards. It sounds like Pam had such a great life.
Anne Brown
June 14, 2024
Mavis, Ann, Peter, Sherry -
I am so sorry to hear of Pam's passing. Even though she was nearly 10 years older than me, we were like family. Backyards make wonderful family friends. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Anne (Powell) Brown
Jo ann Espinosa) liekweg
June 14, 2024
My sympathy go to my cousins sherry ann Peter and my aunt mavis may Pam rest in piece god be with your family
Harlan and Marge Baack
June 14, 2024
Mavis, Sherry, Gordon, Ann, Paul, Kari, and family,
We express our sympathy. We have known the wonderful Espinosa family for many years. May God bless you all. Always keep the fond memories of Pam in your heart forever. May God give you strength, and comfort.
Blessings, and Prayers,
Harlan and Marge Baack.
Jay Sheahan
June 14, 2024
So very sorry for your family's loss
Ric Sullivan
June 13, 2024
Pete and family, so sorry for your loss.
Jean Alitz Sagara
June 13, 2024
The Espinosa family has been part of MY family's life as long as I can remember. I send my deepest and most sincere condolences on the passing of Pam. I'm thinking of you all. With love, Jean Alitz Sagara
Linda Miller
June 13, 2024
I always looked up from afar at Pam. She was Smart AND Beautiful. We graduated together but I'm sure she never knew who I was. She always had a smile and surrounded by friends. I was sure she'd go far in life n reading her obit she did not disappoint. In fact she sounds like she had a wonderful fulfilling life n far far exceeded any expectations. U the Family, we're Blessed ! Sympathy. Linda Miller.
Jeanene EauClaire
June 13, 2024
My sympathy to the Espinosa family. Pam was a kind and fun grade school friend. It was nice to read about her adult life! She touched many lives. There is something about Mason City that we always call it home.....regardless of our adventures!
Steve Fistler
June 13, 2024
Pam, a neighbor growing up, school friend and an example for all who knew her. RIP
Ann Papouchis
June 13, 2024
Dear Mavis, Ann, Pete, Sherry and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Pam's passing. Our prayers go out to all.
Sincerely,
Ann and Bill Papouchis
Veronica James
June 13, 2024
Sympathy to my cousins,sherry,ann,peter.also to my aunt Mavis. Love,Veronica James
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Funeral services provided by:
Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory111 N Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more